Best Bergen County Towns for Buyers Who Want Mid-Century Modern Homes
Mid-century modern homes are not clustered in one Bergen County area. They appear throughout the region, mingling with traditional Colonials, Cape Cods, ranches, and split-level homes. For buyers who admire clean lines, open floor plans, and a connection to the outdoors, start your search in the towns with the largest postwar housing developments and the largest lots.
Continue to read this article to find out the best Bergen County towns for prospective buyers in the area who want mid-century modern home designs.
What Counts as Mid-Century Modern in Bergen County?
Most often, mid-century modern homes were built between the 1940s and 1960s. Broadly speaking, these are designs that feature low-pitched roofs, large windows, open-concept floor plans, an absence of ornamentation, and easy access to a patio or yard. In Bergen County listings, these houses may also be classified as ranch, bi-level, or architect-designed rather than mid-century modern. Use architectural details rather than classifications to identify them.
Franklin Lakes
If you are considering a large estate-style house, Franklin Lakes has some of the best mid-century modern homes for sale in Bergen County. Large lots let postwar architects design wide, multilevel ranches with floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor-outdoor living areas. A 1950 all-brick ranch recently offered by The Akkus Group, for example, has an open floor plan, large sliding doors, water views, and more than an acre on the lot. These properties are rare in this price range, and buyers should expect upscale fixtures and finishes inside.
Why Should Buyers Watch Englewood?
Englewood has a more eclectic mix of housing, including modern homes on wooded residential acres. Some of these properties have unique features that reflect the tastes and lifestyles of their original owners. A 1964 Englewood residence, for example, had nearly 3,800 square feet of living space on 0.60 acres. It included many period details, such as a floating staircase, slate floors, wood paneling, and large windows. This town also has the advantage of being close to major supermarkets, restaurants, cultural attractions, and the roads to New York City.
Glen Rock
Glen Rock buyers can find mid-century modern homes that reflect the popularity of the ranch-style house in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of these properties have been tastefully remodeled to take advantage of new materials and technologies while maintaining the low profile and wide-angle views of the mid-century home. A 1960 bi-level, for example, shown by The Akkus Group, had a mid-century modern design, four bedrooms, and more than a third of an acre. This town has a limited inventory, and improved condition makes these houses stand out from the crowd.
Could Harrington Park Be the Quiet Standout?
Harrington Park has many appealing residential qualities, including large yards and a mixture of upscale home styles. Settled around the turn of the 20th century, this town has a small selection of mid-century modern homes for sale. It is best suited for buyers who want a quieter community and are willing to wait for the right home to appear. Original condition properties are good candidates for preservation and restoration, and period upgrades can greatly improve energy efficiency, kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and mechanical systems.
Hillsdale
Hillsdale has postwar ranches and split-level homes that can be good values compared to larger mid-century modern homes in Franklin Lakes. Some offer vaulted ceilings as an alternative to colonial-style front porches while keeping brick fireplaces and wide windows. These buyers must be prepared to distinguish between a well-documented renovation and a complete rebuilding of the house.
“Mid-century modern homes are a special find in Bergen County because they offer architectural character that buyers cannot easily recreate. The right town matters, but buyers should stay flexible since these homes are scattered throughout the county and often sell quickly when their original details have been preserved.”–Michael Akkus, Broker Associate/Team Leader
How Can Buyers Find These Homes Before They Disappear?
“Mid-century modern” is only one of many ways to describe these homes. Look for terms such as contemporary, post-and-beam construction, ranch, bi-level, or split-level design, vaulted ceilings, walls of glass, and architect-designed. Always study the photos of the house for sale, since an unremarkable exterior description could hide an extraordinary interior. A local real estate agent can keep watch on the right towns, analyze the kind of architecture, and advise on whether a particular house is original, modified, or simply stylized to look older or more rustic.
Buying an MCM Home in Bergen County
The best town for you depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Franklin Lakes may offer the largest selection of acreage and privacy, Englewood has some of the most interesting architectural features, and Glen Rock is balanced in terms of both location and character. Harrington Park and Hillsdale should be considered by buyers who are patient and persistent. Since these homes can appear anywhere in the county, your search should include a willingness to consider multiple locations. Reach out to the professionals at The Akkus Group if you are interested in relocating to the many mid-century-dominated Bergen County communities today.
What Do Buyers Ask About Mid-Century Modern Homes?
Q: Are mid-century modern homes common in Bergen County?
A: No. There are some genuine mid-century modern homes in Bergen County, but they are not numerous, and inventory appears to be thinnest in certain areas. Look broadly, and be prepared to consider multiple factors.
Q: What should I inspect before buying one?
A: Take a close look at the roof slope, large windows, insulation, electrical service, plumbing, foundation, and heating system. An ordinary inspection may be enough for a typical home, but buyers with questions may want to consult with specialists about unusual rooflines or extensive glass areas.
Q: Can I renovate without losing the original character?
A: Yes, but you need to understand what makes these houses different. A competent renovation will maintain the roofline, window size, and use of natural materials. Interior remodeling can update mechanical systems such as air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical outlets. However, these should be incorporated into an overall design that reflects the character of a mid-century modern home.
Q: Which Bergen County town is best for an MCM buyer?
A: Every buyer should decide based on their own preferences. Those seeking large acreage properties may want to start their search in Franklin Lakes, whereas commuters may prefer the locations offered by Glen Rock or Englewood. Harrington Park and Hillsdale have less inventory, but the right buyer will find it rewarding.